While this is typically a slower time of year for housing, some experts say the comparisons are distorted. A year ago, buyers were drawn to the market by a federal housing tax credit. The credit expired in April and buyers had until the end of June to close.

Economist Mark Dotzour said that makes it’s hard to tell if the housing market is recovering.

“We’ll have to wait until next May to know,” he said.

Early indications show another decline next month.

Month-end pending sales for October were down 23.2 percent from last year, signaling the likelihood of another month of slower sales when the November figures are tallied.

Prices have been steady.

The October single-family home median price — the figure at which half of the homes sold for more and half sold for less — edged up 0.7 percent from one year earlier to $150,000.